I would: Redesign the window mechanism to eliminate all those cables Better ventilation Better A/C Better cooling Improved handbrake Bit more horsepower Rustproofing Add ABS option Keep shape virtually unchanged Oh hang on, been done, it's called a 328
As a new 308 owner I'm lovin' what I bought; that its old and simple with funky quirks. I love: - the curves and shape - that wonderful array of weird mouse-eared switches and levers on the console - all the gauges (oil press, oil temp, water temp) - that shifter - seat only 8" off the ground - that it is not a priceless object I'm obligated to preserve for "future generations" - that it is a simple machine that I can fix - that is is not a rolling computer I would never want to do anything to "modernize" it. I am thankful that it does not have a "Check Engine" light. It is clearly a hand-build machine. The things I would "redesign" are solely mechanical improvements: - bigger oil cooler (it was getting warm on yesterday's FOG run) - better water radiator (it did not like climbing Mt Diablo at 15 mph at 90F) - better brakes (I am told; I have not yet experienced fade) - tighter turning radius (what is up with that?) - cooler cabin (gotta keep the roof off; such sacrifice) As for the steering wheel angle, offset pedals and clunky shifter; I love them.
The clutches were softened up sometime in the mid i period iirc. I don't know whether it started with the QV or a little earlier in the 80s. What 308 did you try at Autoitalia? I'm in Nottingham, Ian.
Perfection would be; Group iv body 3.4l engine 355 brakes Listerbell coffin spoke wheels Hydraulic clutch Quick rack Sparco seats Slightly better insulation Upgraded ac/heater Cage would stiffen the car quite a bit Alcantara trim (kill the dash glare)
It stated with the 1980. I found the service bulletin describing the mod. After that all 80s had the uodated linkages. A word of caution, DO NOT oder a clutch kit from SP if you have an 80 or the mod, as they will send tou the old pp, whitch will not work with the new linkage. Ask me how I know. Rob
I'd be curious to see what a modern day version would look like. It would have to have a stick shift though. Wonder how much hp the could get from a 3.0 V8 made today?
Ha! Bought my car from Nottingham - well, nearby..... I tried the '76 giallo GRP-bodied car for sale at Rardley Motors (I say "tried", I just sat in it & dipped the clutch...)
Porsche is getting conservatively 475hp from a 3.8l engine at 9000rpm (125hp/l) and Ferrari is getting 562hp from a 4.5l engine also at nine grand (125hp/l), so I'd say it would be possible to get at least 375hp from a 3.0l V8 and maybe a bit more. Considering the 288 produced 400hp, I like that better.
I think it's interesting that many of the things listed can be easily fixed. Brakes always seem to come up, how about Girodisc? Windows, easy fix. Suspension, easy. I think the key as has been mentioned is to improve on some of the basic items while maintaining that "vintage" personality the car has. IMHO I love the old switches. I would just improve the interior with better seats, ala the new 458 seats with the same herring bone pattern, and upgrade the materials with more leather and subtle use of alcantara. Maybe vintage type carpeting like the Singer cars. Horsepower is to difficult and expensive to make major leaps so I'd address weight. I would lose as much weight as possible. Upgrade suspension, brakes, tasteful 17" wheels (still waiting to see the 18" HRE's on a car). I also think very subtle flares or arches would really make the design more aggressive. I'm talking 1" to 1.5" difference, so subtle you wouldn't consciously notice. Rossa Scudeia! Think 308 M done in a mid eighties flavor. Bad ass.
Just keep it simple: More power, bigger brake disc, cold AC, electronic ignition, effective cooling system. Don't even start with traction control and ABS and various other electro widgets. I want a throttle AND clutch cable too no drive by computer interpretation of you inputs. Keep the rack and pinion too.
I would not change a thing......... if I were making the new ferraris I would try to make them beautiful and at least have a gear lever as an option......
Rust does seem to move extra fast on these cars Would it have killed them to make a few extra vetroresina's?! Wait a sec, this is a wish list......make them all fiberglass
Sounds to me like what many of you are asking for is already offered through Nicks Forza which is found here: Genuine and high performance Ferrari parts and modifications PDG
Most everything sounds good. I would change the side louvers on the GTS to look like the GTB(I did). Or I would like to see what a 308 GTS would look like with the 246GTS side slits in place of the louvers, no side glass, metal like the 246GTS. The full louvers are not my favorite design.
Nice suggestion! I would not change anything about my 78 GTS except for better rust proofing so I could drive it everyday... Image Unavailable, Please Login
Not a whole lot. The two things that I'd love to do are: * Better oil cooling so that the oil doesn't overheat at prolonged 130 mph+ stints * Fix those @$#!@ windows And the one that I'd love, but won't: * Make a carbon fibre body to lose weight and rust Otherwise, she's near perfect...
I bought my 308 thirty years ago this coming August. A Euro GTS most likely sprayed resale red on the dock where she landed. I sold a 1963 split window fuelie Corvette, that I had spent seven years restoring, to buy her. Boy, did I pick the wrong "horse" investment wise! Doesn't matter, I'd do it again. That's how much I prefer the 308 to the Vette. That said, both the Boxer and 308 would have benefited from longer and shorter overhangs; the rear longer, the front shorter, the emphasis on the mid engine configuration. Rick. PS Photos for illustration purposes only... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
